My First Ghost Encounter

Having done ghost tours for many years and associating with the ghost community for many more; I'm often asked about my encounters with ghosts. Do I really believe in ghosts? Duh. Have I ever seen a ghost? Yes. Where's the most haunted place I've ever been? Gettysburg if the stories are true but I didn't experience anything ghostly so my answer is usually Decatur, Illinois' Lincoln Square Theatre.

My first encounter with a ghost was at place I'm not allowed to reveal as a haunted spot. It was 1999 and, until that point I'd never put much faith in the existance of ghosts. I didn't have a computer so I spent a lot of time in this building at night using the office computer.

Prior to the experience, when in the building, I'd heard what sounded like footsteps on the floor above me. This was fairly common but written off to the sounds of an old building (and this was built in 1832). The night in question was a hot August night and I was in the office writing a story about Abraham Lincoln that was going to be read aloud before a 5th grade history class.

Having spent time in radio, I'm now in the habit of reading aloud anything I write to see how it flows. When I finished this essay I began to read. I'd forgotten a man's name so I'd left a blank in the text to fill in later and when I got to that spot I said something like, "The guy who's name escapes me" and, from right over my right shoulder came the name, "Matt Marsh"! I thought a buddy of mine had come in and I didn't realize it.

It was a lound, clear voice and, yes, the name was right, but there was no sign of my friend. Odd. Now, I should point out, that had I remembered the name I would have called this gentleman "Matthew" as all the history books do but, the people who potentially haunt this building would have known him and likely would have been familiar enought to refer to him by the less formal "Matt". That's my theory anyway.

I walked from the office to seek out my friend who I figured had just passed the door and gone into the other room. He wasn't there and, furthermore, I could see my keys still hanging in the door where I'd left them after I'd locked it. Suddenly the temperature dropped drastically. Now, remember, hot August night...and there's no air conditioning in this building so it was torturously hot and this room got so cold I expected to see my breath.

Still, I wasn't thinking ghost until I heard the footsteps coming toward me across the, obvously, empty room! Then I freaked out. I had no way out either. I didn't want to cross the room where this unseen entity was prowling! The keys that would unlock the back door where mocking me from across the room and I certainly wasn't going up the back stairs and through the pitch black upper rooms to get around to the front stairs!

I'd heard ten or tweleve steps and then they'd stopped. I started to think I was in the clear and then the motion activated security lights kicked on in the outer room! I did what any good ghost hunter would do...I paniced and raced for the door. I turned the keys and rushed outside into a the sticky night and the difference between the cold inside and the hot outside almost knocked me over.

My apartment was across the street and so I ran home and sat on the porch and watched as the motion lights kicked off and on for fifteen or twenty minutes. Finally they stopped and I decided to call it a night. When I reached for my keys to go inside I found my pocket empty...I'd left the keys hanging in the door across the street. That, of course, meant I'd have to go back! I weighed the option of sleeping in my lawn chair but, eventually, I screwed up my courage and went to retrieve my keys.

As I cautiously opened the door I told whoever was there why I'd come back and begged they give me a few minutes to get my keys and turn off the lights I'd left on. They did and I was grateful.

In subsequent years I've made peace with these guys (I believe there's two of them) and, in fact, have learned the identity of one because several pyschics over the years have identified the same man by name and two have independently pointed out his picture without any knowledge of who he was. He's OK, the other remains unidentified and, I'm told, doesn't want me there. Nice.

It is my hope that eventually I'll be able to tell the whole story of these encounters and the haunted history of this building. Until then that's it, my first encounter with a ghost. It remains one of my favorites.

Lincoln's Ghost in Springfield, Illinois?

Josephine Edwards


Someone recently asked me why I hadn't written more about Abraham Lincoln's ghost in Springfield, IL; after all there is a long-standing tradition that Mr. Lincoln still walks the streets of his old hometown. My obsession with Lincoln is well-known in certain circles and, coupled with my love of ghosts and legends, you'd think I'd have done this long ago. I've tried but it's been complicated because, frankly, I don't believe Abe's hanging around anywhere near Springfield!

Oh John, you may ask, what about the stories at the Lincoln sites that claim otherwise? Well, yes, there are ghost stories about Lincoln's old stomping grounds. They've spawned books, ghost tours and legends but I always suggest people take a second look at the reports. Doing so shines a different light on the subject.

"It is portentous, and a thing of state
That here at midnight, in our little town
A mourning figure walks, and will not rest,
Near the old court-house pacing up and down..."Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight (In Springfield, Illinois)
by Nicholas Vachel Lindsay

That's what started all this. A poem by Vachel Lindsay that describes Lincoln, unable to sleep in the tomb because of war. The president restlessly wanders the streets wondering,in essence, "Didn't we put an end to this in my day?"

There weren't ghost stories about Lincoln before Lindsay penned this poem in 1914 but now Abe's seen on every corner! Or at least people say he is. Frankly I can't find one reliable source that backs up this claim. I can, however, find intriguing stories that suggest some ghost activity occurs, or has occurred, in and around the places Lincoln knew.

I'd like to quickly discuss some well-known places. When I've done this in the past I've met with some opposition from people who work at these sites because they don't believe their buildings are full of ghosts. They might be right, especially when it comes to Lincoln's old home. I respect these people, I know many of them but the stories are there so let's examine them.

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site: Lincoln came to New Salem in 1831. The village was a rough frontier settlement on the northern edge of civilisation. He stayed until 1837 at which time he relocated to Springfield. In those years Lincoln transformed himself from uneducated manual laborer to up-and-coming lawyer and politician. The village disappeared shortly after he left (this, despite the mythic implications, had nothing to do with Lincoln departing...the town was in it's death throes in 1832 when they realized river travel on the Sangamon wasn't going to work and people began to leave for greener pastures). I've written a detailed account of New Salem and it's ghosts in an article posted in the first series of links at the bottom of this blog.
The ghosts reported at New Salem (and I've heard these stories since I was a kid) suggest that a man, I believe to be resident Jack Kelso, and a woman I suggest might be Elizabeth Herndon still roam the grounds and make periodic appearances. There are those who suggest otherwise but, if the place is haunted, those are my favorite candidates.

Old State Capital and Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices: Although people have reported odd activity at these sites from time to time there is nothing to suggest to me that either of these places are haunted by anyone, especially Mr. Lincoln. My question to you, why would you spend eternity prowling around your workplace?

The Lincoln Tomb: Again, a detailed account is listed in the links below. This is the site of the very first Lincoln ghost story. For several years Lincoln and his sons lay in a temporary vault on a hillside north of the present structure while the permanent tomb was being constructed. Travelers on a nearby railroad began to report the glowing blue figure of Lincoln walking between the two tombs. Why? I can't say. Lincoln was a curious man, maybe he was checking on the progress of his final resting place. When the bodies were moved into the permanent tomb these ghostly sightings stopped.
There are those who,even today, report odd sounds and eerie voices coming from within the tomb. Having volunteered there in the 1980's I can tell you first hand that sound carries through those marble halls and could easily be mistaken for otherworldly events. Once I (and another worker) crawled up into the foundations of the tomb. We made our way back to the vaults that hold Mrs. Lincoln and three of the Lincoln sons. We stood there a few minutes talking about the construction and then climbed out.
One of our co-workers met us, laughing. It seems two visitors had reported bits of muffled conversation coming from within the walls of the burial chamber! We hadn't taken into account the air vents and our (we thought) quiet conversation was drifting into the room on the other side! It was inadvertent and it still serves as a reminder to me to be careful during investigations. What you're hearing may not always be what you think you're hearing!
Is the Lincoln Tomb haunted? I don't think so. There may be some residual energy there from the millions of people who have visited but you're not likely to find a ghost prowling it's hallways.

And now...the most legendary "haunted" Lincoln site...

The Lincoln Home: There are many accounts of ghostly activity in Lincoln's old house. Lincoln, himself, has been reported. Odd photographs have been taken, staff members have reported strange activity and many visitors have encountered a woman who seems to be cleaning the house. At least they did until a major restoration in the mid-80's seems to have put a stop to the activity.
The stories are interesting though. The odd Lincoln sighting not withstanding, there may have once been some legitimate hauntings going on here but it seems the restoration may have put an end to them.
Now, official National Park Service dogma says there are no ghosts here. It's not the story the NPS wants to tell so guides, when asked, politely brush the questions off. I actually agree with this. It's not rude, it's just not part of the program. I always encourage people to visit historic sites but leave these poor people alone when it comes to ghosts! I'm telling you, they don't want to talk about it!
The most believable stories that have come from the house suggest to me it was a woman who haunted the place. Mary Lincoln! Let's not be too hasty. Mary Lincoln owned the house until her death in 1882 at her sister's home a few blocks away. She couldn't go back to her old home, there are no reports that I know of that she even visited it again. It was just too painful. So why would she spend eternity there? I don't think she did.
The most interesting accounts I've heard report a woman who seems to be cleaning the house. A caretaker. While several suggestions have been put forward as to her identity, my favorite candidate is a woman named Josephine Edwards.
Albert Edwards was Mary Lincoln's nephew, he married Josephine in 1876. After a series of troublesome tenants Robert Todd Lincoln eventually had his cousin Albert placed in the Lincoln Home as custodian. Albert died suddenly in 1915 (at the house) and Josephine was left to carry on. She was meticulous in her care of the home and fiercely protective of the Lincoln legacy. She, herself, worked in the house until her own death. Her tenure was the highest point in the home's post-Lincoln history until the NPS converted the entire neighborhood into a National Park (it's endeavors to improve the site are on-going and impressive). I believe she stayed behind to keep an eye on the place.
As stated, in the 80's the house was, basically, dismantled and reconstructed to ensure it would be around for another few generations of visitors. Most ghost accounts come from before this restoration. I think Mrs. Edwards was pleased and no longer felt the need to hang around and so...she moved on.
The house sits quiet now. People still report things from time-to-time but it's nothing like the building's ghostly heyday and I believe many of these modern accounts (curtains moving and the like) can be attributed to simple misunderstandings.

Abe Lincoln is one ghost I'd love to encounter. He may haunt the White House, those stories seem pretty solid (considering they come from presidents and world leaders like Winston Churchill) but Springfield? Sadly I don't think he's here. I encourage you all to visit these sites (and can't stress enough...don't ask about ghosts!) and take from them the power of the Lincoln story. It's enough to know he once walked here and, yes, as Vachel suggests, "He lingers where his children used to play..." but not in ghostly form, in the minds of those of us who revere the man.

Col. Matthew Rogers: Lincoln's Forgotten Benefactor

Historian James T. Hickey wrote, "The name of

Rogers is not unknown to Lincoln scholars..." but to the general public Rogers is almost entirely unknown. It is a disservice to a family that played a large role in Abraham Lincoln's early life that their connection is largely forgotten.
Matthew Rogers was born March 28, 1770 in New London, CT and was a descendant of John Rogers, burned at the stake in England in 1555 for his radical Protestant teachings. As a youth Rogers apprenticed as a ship builder but gave that up for a life of farming near Cooperstown, NY. During the War of 1812 Rogers served in the rank of colonel in the 54th Regiment, New York Militia.

In the summer of 1818 he resigned his commission and took his large family to the new state of Illinois, settling in Troy about 18 miles northeast of St. Louis. In 1820 the family moved to Sangamon County. Here Col. Rogers established a farm and tree nursery a mile north of the present day town of Athens.

On January 2, 1828 a post office, called Rogers, was established in his home and Matthew Rogers was named postmaster. This was the first post office in the area and as such became a focal point for the surrounding communities.
In 1831 the Colonel's son-in-law, Harry Riggin and partner, Abner Hall, established the town of Athens. Col. Rogers constructed a large, two-story building in the new town and opened a general store. On November 4, 1831 the Rogers Post Office was moved to this new building and the name changed to Athens Post Office.

Abraham Lincoln arrived in New Salem in the spring of 1831. Almost immediately he began a program of self-education that has become legendary in the Lincoln lore. New Salem schoolmaster, Mentor Graham, sent Lincoln to the Rogers home to borrow books from the well-educated clan. The Rogers had an extensive library with volumes ranging in subject from surveying to medicine. There was certainly enough to fuel the inquisitive mind of the young Lincoln! Thus began an association that would endure for many years.

The Colonel's daughter, Arminda, was a teacher. It to her that Lincoln's legendary "lost love", Ann Rutledge, was sent for study prior to attending the Female Academy in Jacksonville, IL. Arminda would later recall Rutledge, often accompanied by Lincoln, sitting before the cabin's hearth and studying. The copy of Kirkham's Grammar used by the pair during this period is now housed in the Library of Congress.

Lincoln's association with the Rogers family continued to the day he left Springfield for Washington D.C. and the presidency. In the case of Rogers v. Francis in Sangamon Circuit Court, January 29, 1841, Lincoln represented the Colonel against Josiah Francis and another man who had failed to make payment on their notes to buy the Rogers store. Lincoln won the case and the building's ownership reverted back to Rogers. Later Lincoln was Henry Roger's attorney during settlement of an estate in which Rogers served as executor. Henry B. Rankin, Arminda's son, worked in the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office in some capacity (there is a hint of exaggeration in his writings) until Lincoln left Springfield.

By the 1840's the Rogers family had split politically with some members remaining staunch Whigs (and Lincoln supporters) while others became Democrats. Although their politics differed a clear picture of their personal feelings toward their old friend, Lincoln, may be ascertained from a letter written by Harry Riggin (in the Democrat's camp) to his son in 1842, "I wish I could raise a son as big a Lincoln is bound to be if he lives. I have heard all these men at the bar and on the stump for some years and Lincoln is the greatest of them all. I say this to you my son, though I am a Democrat."

Two of the Colonel's sons became doctors and later moved south where both established large plantations. Three of his grandsons were killed while serving in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. At the same time, Col. Rogers' son, Henry, became known as a strong abolitionist.
Col. Matthew Rogers died on August 14, 1847 leaving behind him a large, diverse family. The influence of the family on Lincoln during his formative years is impossible to measure but it is an area that should not be overlooked by history.
Today the Rogers store stands as a tribute, not only to Lincoln, but to his forgotten benefactor, Col. Matthew Rogers.

Photos: Top: The Abraham Lincoln Long Nine Museum in Athens, Illinois. Housed in the Rogers store built in 1831/32. As of this writing the museum is closed.

Bottom: The Rogers cabin just north of Athens. The cabin is no longer standing, the remains are in the basement of the Long Nine Museum.

Sources:

Eden, John R., Abe Lincoln's Athens, Illinois Connection, A. Lincoln Long Nine Museum, Athens, IL, 1992

Hickey, James T., Three R's in Lincoln's Education: Rogers, Riggin and Rankin, Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, Vol. LII, No. 1, Spring, 1959

Kowalski, Ethel Lee Rogers, These Are the Rogers and There Are More, Burlingame, CA, 1979